Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

A No-Rules Guide for Rich Chicken Stock

Whether you’re facing cold and flu season or are simply craving a rich and hearty soup, preparing a high-quality chicken stock (or, bone broth as it’s sometimes called) is an essential kitchen tool. There are plenty of guidelines and ratios to help you make the perfect stock, and while these […]

Soups and Stews

Brodo

Ingredients 3 lb beef (top blade chuck or shank) One 3- to 4-lb chicken 3 medium yellow onions 3 carrots 3 celery stalks 3 fresh or canned plum tomatoes 1 sachet containing 3 whole cloves, 8 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, and 3 thyme sprigs […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Can I Freeze This? Tips for Stocking your Freezer

One of the most frequently asked questions from guests at our CIA campuses is: “Can I freeze this?” And it’s a good question! After all, no matter how much you like to cook, there are some days that having a back-up dinner ready to go can be a life-saver. You’ll […]

Soups and Stews

Chicken Broth

Makes 2 1/2 quarts broth Ingredients 4 lb stewing hen parts, including backs and necks 3 qt cold water, plus more as needed 1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice 1 celery stalk, cut into medium dice 1 carrot, cut into medium dice 5 black peppercorns, cracked 4 parsley […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Cooking Dried Chickpeas

Why cook dried chickpeas? Simple: They’re hands-down better than canned. Here’s how to make perfect chickpeas every time. And remember, beans of all kinds are great to freeze and use later, so make a big batch! Ingredients 1 lb dried chickpeas 1 peeled onion, halved 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided […]

Free Recipes, Side Dishes

Curried Cauliflower “Couscous”

Try adding an extra serving of vegetables to any meal with some curried cauliflower couscous. This makes a great make ahead side dish for meal prepping. Makes 4 servings 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Break the cauliflower into florets, slicing the larger florets in half. Toss the cauliflower […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Garlic Confit Chablis Vinaigrette

Makes 2 cups Ingredients Garlic Confit 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 oz shallots, peeled, halved (about 4 shallots) 8 garlic cloves Vinaigrette 1 cup Chablis or other dry white wine 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoons honey 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus as […]

Chef's Blog

Keep Cool in the Kitchen

It is very hot. And while that may not be breaking news, I am here with the headline: Sometimes, Even Chefs Can’t Stand the Heat! That doesn’t mean we’re going to get out of the kitchen (never!), but you might find us changing the way we cook and eat for […]

Chef's Blog

Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipe for Back to School

Back-to-school was always my favorite season. I was never a summer kid, and heading back to the classroom meant cooler weather, new Lisa Frank school supplies, and school friends! Since the day I learned how, I don’t think I have stopped talking. At home I had three older brothers who […]

Chef's Blog

Meal Prep Time Savers

Starting a new cooking routine doesn’t have to be daunting, and accepting your limitations for time, space, budget, and skill is the first step to creating a realistic strategy. At the CIA, we think food is fun, so we make a lot of our ingredients at home, but that doesn’t […]